According to Hindu folklore, Dwarka has religious and historical significance. The place is located on the the banks of the Gomati river. It is listed as one of the ‘sacred’ cities in India. The name Dwarka comes from ‘dwara’ which means door and ‘ka’ which means Brahma, therefore, the city is said to be the spiritual gateway to the ‘union with Brahma’. The town was subsequently rebuilt a number of times. Dwarka is a famous pilgrimage city in Gujarat and is visited by a lot of devotees and tourists.
Let us have a look at the top 7 places to Visit in Dwarka.
1. Beyt Dwarka
It is located around 30 kilometers from the Dwarka. Beyt Dwarka (also called Bet Dwarka) is an island, consist of temples, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna stayed here with his family. It is the main temple on the island that people come to visit.
2. Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkadhish temple was built in 16th century, also known as the Jagat temple. The temple is located right in the center of Dwarka. The temple has 60 pillars and there are 56 steps to get to the temple. The temple dedicated to Lord Krishna but there are other shrines as well. Dwarkadhish temple is a must visit place in Dwarka.
3. Somnath Temple
The temple is supposed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in Dwarks. The shrine has been destroyed and rebuilt six times and this is why it is also known as the shrine eternal. This temple is a beautiful blend of architecture and historical significance.
4. Gopi Talav
The Gopi Talav is a pond surrounded by sand which is called Gopi Chandan. This sand is used by the pilgrims and devotees who put tilaks on their forehead. The Gopi Talav or Talab, the name is derived from the place that is where Gopis came to see Lord Krishna. It is just 20 km from the main city.
5. Rukhmani Mandir
The Rukshmani temple is for the wife of Lord Krishna, Rukmini. The temple has numerous paintings on the walls that tell the stories of Lord Krishna and his wife. Rukshmani temple is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi river and can be reached there via cab, auto rickshaws or public transport buses.
6. Dwarka Lighthouse
It was constructed in the 19th century. The lighthouse provides a scenic view of the sunset and allows the traveler to take in the serenity of the sea. A must-visit for anyone who wants to take a break from temples and come be closer to nature.
7. Samudra Narayana Temple
The temple is located at the Gomati Sangam ghat, in the back of the Dwarkadhish temple. Inside the temple, there are five wells. Also, there is a cave inside the temple, where you can see saints meditating there. The temple is a peaceful place for meditation and for relaxation. The beautiful architecture of the temple take you back to the history of ancient India.
